Question 1

According to cognitive dissonance theory, which of the following scenarios is most likely to produce the greatest amount of dissonance?

Accepted Answer

Choosing between two equally attractive alternatives for a major purchase.

Question 2

Which of the following best describes the concept of 'post-decision dissonance'?

Accepted Answer

The discomfort experienced after making a choice between similarly attractive options.

Question 3

Suppose a consumer buys a new car and is offered $100 in free services by the dealership. According to cognitive dissonance theory, what is the likely effect of this offer?

Accepted Answer

It may reduce the consumer's post-decision dissonance.

Question 4

Which of the following is NOT a method for reducing cognitive dissonance, according to the diagram provided?

Accepted Answer

Increase the importance of the dissonant element.

Question 5

A student is asked to write an essay supporting a policy they personally disagree with. According to cognitive dissonance theory, which factor will most likely increase their dissonance?

Accepted Answer

Having little social support for their position.

Question 6

If a person chooses to eat a salad instead of a burger to maintain a healthy diet, but later feels regret, which concept from cognitive dissonance theory does this illustrate?

Accepted Answer

Dissonance due to the attractiveness of the non-selected alternative.

Question 7

According to the study by Cooper and Feldman, what effect did the 'high-choice' condition have on older adults' attitudes?

Accepted Answer

It increased their agreement with the proposal to raise property taxes.

Question 8

Which equation best represents the relationship between the magnitude of dissonance ($D$), the importance of the decision ($I$), and the similarity between alternatives ($S$)?

Accepted Answer

$D = I 	imes S$

Question 9

A manager asks an employee to work overtime on a project they dislike. According to cognitive dissonance theory, which factor would most likely reduce the employee's dissonance?

Accepted Answer

Receiving strong social support from colleagues.

Question 10

Which of the following statements about cognitive dissonance is correct?

Accepted Answer

Cognitive dissonance occurs when a person holds two or more inconsistent cognitions.

Question 11

If the degree of forced compliance ($F$) increases, what is the expected effect on the magnitude of dissonance ($D$), assuming all other factors are constant?

Accepted Answer

$D$ increases as $F$ increases.

Question 12

Which of the following is most likely to decrease the magnitude of cognitive dissonance after a difficult decision?

Accepted Answer

Adding new information that supports the chosen alternative.

Question 13

A consumer is deciding between two smartphones with similar features and prices. According to cognitive dissonance theory, what will likely happen after the purchase?

Accepted Answer

The consumer will experience dissonance and seek information to justify their choice.

Question 14

Which of the following best explains why major decisions tend to produce more cognitive dissonance than minor ones?

Accepted Answer

Major decisions have greater importance and often involve more attractive alternatives.

Question 15

If a person changes their attitude to match their behavior after making a difficult choice, which process are they using to reduce dissonance?

Accepted Answer

Attitude change.

Question 16

Which of the following is a real-world example of cognitive dissonance?

Accepted Answer

A smoker who knows smoking is unhealthy but continues to smoke.

Question 17

According to the diagram, which factor is LEAST likely to increase dissonance?

Accepted Answer

Task difficulty.

Question 18

If a person is forced to publicly support a position they privately disagree with, which factor from the diagram is most relevant?

Accepted Answer

Degree of forced support.

Question 19

Which of the following strategies is most effective for reducing cognitive dissonance after making a difficult decision?

Accepted Answer

Changing one's behavior to align with the decision.

Question 20

If $C_1$ and $C_2$ are two cognitions, and $C_1$ contradicts $C_2$, what is the result according to cognitive dissonance theory?

Accepted Answer

Dissonance or inconsistency arises.

Cognitive Dissonance: Theory, Applications, and Decision-Making in Microeconomics

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